Banking News – Mango orchards across Mahottari have been emptied before the end of Asar (mid-July), marking an unusually early end to this year’s mango season, which typically lasts from mid-Jestha (late May) until the end of Bhadra (mid-September).

Farmers say that all major mango varieties, including those that normally ripen later in the season, have already been harvested and sold, leaving orchards empty weeks ahead of schedule.

Often referred to as the “king of fruits,” mangoes in Mahottari are usually harvested in phases. Early varieties such as Bombay ripen from mid-Jestha to mid-Asar, followed by Maldah and Krishnabhog. Varieties including Kalkatiya, Amrapali, Abhiya, Mallika, Jarda, Hardiya, and Gulabkhas typically begin ripening from the start of Shrawan.

However, Haridev Sah, a farmer from Ramnagar, Bhangaha-4, said even the late-ripening varieties were harvested by mid-Asar after contractors purchased the orchards and picked all the fruit.

Another farmer, Gangaram Mahato, attributed the early harvest to extreme weather conditions. He said intense daytime heat followed by heavy nighttime rainfall during the first half of Asar caused mangoes to rot and fall prematurely, forcing farmers to sell their produce earlier than planned. Even varieties that usually mature in Bhadra, such as Abhiya and Bhadaiya, were harvested before the end of Asar.

Farmers also expressed concern that mangoes harvested before reaching full maturity often require artificial ripening using calcium carbide, a practice that affects taste and poses potential health risks to consumers. Early harvesting has also resulted in lower prices for growers.

Bishwanath Singh, a farmer from Bijalpura, Bardibas-12, said many farmers sold their mangoes before they were fully ripe to focus on the ongoing paddy transplantation season. He noted that naturally tree-ripened mangoes are both tastier and healthier.

According to the Agriculture Knowledge Centre, Mahottari, the district has around 3,000 hectares of mango orchards. Farmers say the lack of nearby fruit processing facilities and cold storage forces them to sell their produce quickly, often at lower prices.

Laxmi Prasad Singh, a 70-year-old farmer from Batua, Gaushala-10, said local governments have yet to address these long-standing challenges faced by mango growers.